Lets Have This Conversation

Lets Have This Conversation

By Kevin McShanNewsDaily News
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Lets Have This Conversation episodes

  • Build High-Performing Teams and Businesses with: Marci Schnapp

    Recent Gallup research reveals that only 22% of surveyedU.S. workers strongly agree that they feel connected to their team's culture atwork. Team culture encompasses the shared beliefs, behaviors, workingpractices, and values within an organization. For instance, a business mightcultivate a team culture focused on excellence, innovation, or service,depending on its core purpose. Workplace culture is vital as it guides bothindividual and collective actions, making it essential for the success or failureof any organization. By fostering a strong team culture, companies can improveemployee satisfaction, distinguish themselves from competitors, and attract toptalent.

     

    Further research from the Harvard Business Review indicatesthat high-performing teams are exceedingly rare; only 8.7% of respondents ratedtheir teams highly. This study identified five key behaviors related to trustthat set high-performing teams apart. These teams typically begin by discussinghow they will collaborate, leading to fewer misunderstandings and smootherteamwork in the future.

     

    Marci Schnapp is an entrepreneur and visionary leader whocurrently serves as the Founder and Vision Mover at CollabGenius. With over 20years of experience in business, consulting, coaching, and executive search,Marci brings a wealth of expertise to her work. Over the past decade, she hasapplied CollabGenius's innovative teamwork theories and bias-free talentassessment methods. Her focus is on attracting, retaining, and developingindividuals based on their skills, values, and fit within the organizationalculture, which is vital for future success. She excels in identifying andnurturing talent to ensure the organization's growth and success.

     

    CollabGenius is a behavioral science-driven platform thatmodernizes how executive search firms, coaches, business consultants,recruiters, and organizations build high-performing teams and help individualsbecome better team players. With over 20 years of experience in talentassessment, leadership strategy, and team development, I have dedicated mycareer to helping businesses achieve measurable success through data-drivendecisions.

     

    At CollabGenius, we provide the tools and insights to:

     

    🎯 Accurately identify toptalent. 

    🤝 Design collaborativeand aligned teams. 

    ⚠️ Prevent costly hiring mistakesby understanding candidate behaviors and stress responses. 

    🔍 Gain clarity byuncovering blind spots and making informed decisions. 

    📈 Foster sustainableorganizational growth by placing the right people in the right roles.

     

    For more information: https://www.collabgenius.io/ 

    LinkedIn: @MarciSchnapp


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    46 min
  • Stephanie Hayes, Empowers Established Business Owners to Transform Revenue into Lasting Wealth

    Succession planning involves identifying key organizationalpositions and developing action plans for individuals to take over those roles.By comprehensively understanding current and future goals, this preparationensures that the right people occupy the right roles both now and, in theyears, ahead.

     

    According to a recent survey commissioned by Scotiabank,Canadian small businesses are facing challenges related to succession planning.As many small business owners prepare for retirement, findings from the studyreleased in October 2024 indicate that approximately 31% of small businessowners in Canada intend to sell their businesses by 2030. The survey alsoreveals that about 65% of owners have a succession plan; however, 43% of thoseplanning to sell in six years or more do not have a plan.

     

    Business and Exit Strategist Stephanie Hayes believes anythingis possible if you create it yourself. She emphasizes that she is not youraverage business coach—her approach is anything but typical. At times, she maybe above average, and at others, she may be below average, but she guaranteesthat she will never remain stagnant.

     

    You don’t want the average experience either, so you’rehere. You seek connection, thoughtful dialogue, intellect, and innovation. Eachday, you want to feel exceptional—better than average.

     

    Hayes is the founder of Assets to Exits, a pathway forestablished business owners to transition from merely generating revenue tobuilding wealth and preparing for a future exit from their businesses. Thebusiness community often focuses on startups and early growth phases,overlooking established businesses that are profitable yet may leave theirowners feeling stagnant, uninspired, or directionless. Many business ownersmistakenly believe that an exit strategy is only for Silicon Valley startups orventure-funded companies; however, most businesses have already created value. Theycan leverage that value and multiply it over time with some adjustments.

     

    Leveraging her expertise in business model design andinnovation strategy, Stephanie developed an asset-based business model to helpowners shift their focus and work towards a financially rewarding exit.

     

    For more information: https://stephaniehayes.biz/ 

    LinkedIn: @StephanieHayes


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    55 min
  • Strengthening the student experience on college campuses with Ryan Peebles

    The 2022 Canadian Student Wellbeing Study, commissioned byStudiosity—a leading online study platform for post-secondary institutions—andconducted independently by Angus Reid, has been fully released. The studyhighlights the critical need for equitable student support by exploring factorssuch as student stress, motivation to achieve high grades, and attitudestowards cheating, segmented by age, household income, location, and field ofstudy. This report also includes year-over-year data from the 2021 survey,aiming to provide the higher education sector with a comprehensiveunderstanding of current students' feelings, commitments, and overallwellbeing.

     

    Key findings include:

    - 76% of students report balancing work and studies.

    - 40% of students have seriously considered dropping out oftheir college or university, marking a five percentage point increase from2021.

    - 54% of students have personally observed cheating, with15% stating it happens frequently.

    - 77% of students believe that cheating has become moreprevalent, attributing this trend primarily to the ease of academic dishonestyin online learning environments.

    - 61% of students feel engaged with their college oruniversity, with 17% strongly agreeing, showing significant differences amongacademic programs.

    - 64% of students are at least somewhat optimistic abouttheir employment prospects after completing their college or universityeducation.

     

    Ryan Peebles, the executive director of the studentrepresentative council at St. Clair College, joins me this week to discuss howstudent support related to advocacy, inclusion, and diversity has evolved overtime. He shares his insights on how a quality college education can preparestudents of all ages for success in the workforce and beyond.

     

    For more information, visit:https://www.stclair-src.org/ 

    Follow us at: @st.clairsrc


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    46 min
  • Aaron DeVries: "Championing Inclusion Is My Driving Force"

    In the UnitedStates, a staggering one in five children—equivalent to over 14.5 millionkids—have been identified as having special healthcare needs, as highlighted bythe National Survey of Children's Health.

     

    According to thePew Research Center, as of 2023, approximately 3.05 million children are livingwith single fathers across the nation, a notable decline from the peak numberrecorded in 2005. Aaron DeVries, a dedicated advocate for inclusion, shares a personalconnection to this cause as the father of a daughter with a disability. He haswitnessed firsthand the life-changing effects of inclusive education and theimportance of nurturing supportive communities.

     

    Aaron’s missionis clear: to empower families, ensuring that every child, regardless of theirabilities, is fully embraced and supported in their environment. His passionfor championing inclusion drives his work. Alongside his parenting journey, heis the enthusiastic host of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, where he delves intotopics surrounding inclusion, offering practical insights and resources.

     

    If you’reinterested in sharing your experiences or insights, he invites you to be aguest on his podcast, which focuses on inclusion and advocacy from theperspective of a parent. Recently, Aaron joined me to discuss these significantthemes further.

     

    For additionalinformation, visit https://theinclusivedad.com/. To listen to the podcast, gotohttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusion-and-disability-advocacy-from-a/id1371390804.


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    42 min
  • Addressing the Severe Funding Shortfalls Impacting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

    Access to funding is essential for fostering opportunities

    and independence for individuals with developmental disabilities.
    Unfortunately, the provincial government is falling short in providing these
    vital resources, in Ontario.

     

    **Severe Funding Shortfalls Impacting People with

    Developmental Disabilities**

     

    Over 52,000 individuals are currently on waiting lists for

    critical supports and services due to significant funding shortfalls in the
    sector. Since 1993, the Ontario government has increased core funding to
    support agencies by less than 7%, while the cost of living has surged by over
    60% in that same period. Developmental services agencies across the province,
    including those in Essex County, are expressing that the system is no longer
    sustainable.

     

    These services are not luxuries; they are lifelines that

    assist people with developmental and intellectual disabilities in their daily
    activities. They enable individuals to live and work in their communities while
    providing much-needed support and respite for their families. Supportive
    services include teaching basic life skills, helping with medications and
    appointments, and assisting individuals in finding homes, jobs, and community
    activities, allowing them to truly belong.

     

    The "Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion,"

    initiated under Minister Todd Smith in 2020, is a ten-year initiative aimed at
    empowering people with developmental disabilities to gain more control and
    opportunities in their lives. However, with over 52,000 individuals currently
    on waiting lists for supports and services, systemic change and significant
    increases in resources are necessary to achieve this goal.

     

    “It hasn’t been funded properly,” states Community Living

    Ontario CEO Chris Beesley. “You can create a vision and be aspirational, but
    unless you provide the necessary resources, it's meaningless."

     

    Community Living Essex County and the broader developmental

    services sector are urgently urging the Ontario government to take action.
    There are 52,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities who are waiting for
    the chance to belong—not to a service system, but to vibrant communities where
    they can contribute and be valued.

     

    Karen Bolger, the Executive Director at Community Living

    Essex County, and Corey Dalgleish, the Director of Community Living Operations,
    joined me this week to shed light on the urgency of this matter.

     

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    40 min
  • Exploring the Faith of Latino Americans in the American Dream with Dr Paul Rivera

    According to available data from a Pew Research Center

    survey, while a majority of Latinos believe in the "American Dream,"
    only about half (51%) of Hispanics report having achieved it. This indicates a
    significant gap between aspiration and reality, with many citing challenges in
    reaching success despite their hard work.

     

    I am many things: an entrepreneur, professor, strategist,

    international development professional, mentor, former diplomat, lifeguard,
    paramedic, linguist (fluent in six languages), black belt in martial arts,
    former wrestler, father, economist, and, most importantly, I LOVE babies.

     

    More than anything, I am passionate about storytelling and

    believe in the power of stories. They connect us, helping us feel seen, heard,
    and validated. Through stories and experiences, we find inspiration, learn life
    lessons, and broaden our perspectives. It only takes ONE story or experience to
    change your life. Stories remind us that we are not alone and that the world
    holds vast potential.

     

    My purpose is to open up possibilities that help you create

    the best story of your life and to affirm that you can achieve your
    dreams—regardless of who you are, where you come from, or your circumstances.

     

    Dr. Paul Rivera is a strategic planner, expert facilitator,

    and international economist, widely recognized for his visionary leadership in
    guiding organizational change toward purpose-driven and sustainable impact.
    With deep expertise in complex and high-threat international environments, Paul
    brings together diverse stakeholders to collaboratively craft solutions rooted
    in purpose, aligned with vision, and supported by community engagement.

     

    An expert in data analysis, Dr. Rivera effectively links

    analyses to strategic objectives and communicates with high-level decision
    makers, including ambassadors, corporate CEOs, NGO boards, technical experts,
    and government ministries. As an effective, efficient, and inclusive leader,
    Dr. Rivera thrives in dynamic and entrepreneurial settings, working with
    diverse international teams. Being a first-generation Latino American, he is
    passionate about coaching multi-passionate, high-achieving people of color to
    thrive and align their ambitions. Dr. Rivera holds a PhD in Economics from the
    University of Southern California and is fluent in English, Spanish, French,
    and Portuguese.

     

    For more information: https://beactchange.com/ 

    LinkedIn: @PaulRivera, PhD 

    Follow: @be.act.change 

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    56 min
  • Providing neurodivergent Children & families with a roadmap for success with Christian Vinceneux

    According to the Washington Post and the Centers for Disease

    Control and Prevention, current estimates indicate that around one in five
    children in the United States are considered neurodivergent. This means they
    have brains that function differently than the "typical" pattern,
    with conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorder being
    common examples of neurodiversity in children.

     

    As a neurodivergent life coach, Christian Vinceneux helps

    parents gain confidence, navigate challenging situations, and raise resilient,
    resourceful, and independent children. It's important to note that I don’t work
    on “fixing” your child; instead, I provide you with a roadmap to help them
    succeed.

     

    Are you parenting a child with ADHD or autism and feeling

    like every day is an uphill battle? If you're overwhelmed and exhausted by
    daily struggles, know that you are not alone. You’re doing your best, but you
    might feel drained by your child's behaviors and worried that your efforts
    aren't making a difference.

     

    Many parents feel lost after following advice from providers

    that didn't make sense or was ineffective. Often, these recommendations can be
    unrealistic, ignore parental input, or rely on compliance-based approaches that
    aren’t neuro-affirming.

     

    If you're neurodivergent yourself, things can become even

    more complex. You may know what needs to be done but struggle to implement it,
    or your child's behaviors might trigger you to feel dysregulated. You may worry
    about repeating the same hardships in your child’s life that you experienced.

     

    Before blaming yourself, remember that most strategies fail

    because they aren't properly taught or suited to your family's needs. It’s
    essential to keep in mind that your child is not giving you a hard time; they
    are having a hard time.

     

    Shifting to this mindset is crucial for discovering

    effective strategies. That’s where I come in. I provide you with clarity and
    confidence in your parenting while bringing more peace to your family.

     

    I don’t offer quick fixes; instead, I show you how to better

    understand your child’s behavior and how to respond effectively to support
    their social-emotional development. My approach focuses on doing things
    differently rather than doing more, ensuring it supports your child's growth
    and your family's well-being.

     

    My methodology is family-centered, neuro-affirming,

    relationship-based, and entirely tailored to meet your family's specific goals.

     

    For more information:

    https://www.lifeguidecoaching.org/ 

    LinkedIn: @ChristianVinceneux 

     

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    1 hr 4 min
  • How Sports Technology has Changed the Fan and Athlete experience with: Charles Sims

    According to Statista and the Forbes Business Council, new

    technologies are transforming how fans experience live sports, both inside and
    outside the stadium. A global survey conducted in April 2023 revealed that
    nearly 80 percent of respondents reported an increase in their spending on
    technology-enabled merchandise, such as virtual reality headsets and wearable
    tech devices. Technology has become an integral part of our lives, and the
    sports industry is no exception. Recent advancements, including video analysis,
    wearable technology, and virtual reality training programs, have significantly
    enhanced the sporting world.

     

    These innovations have not only changed how athletes prepare

    for competition but have also had a profound impact on businesses, creating
    both new opportunities and challenges across various sectors.

     

    Charles Sims' journey is filled with rich stories and

    insights from behind the scenes of major acquisitions and transformative
    ventures in the ever-evolving tech industry. On his podcast, “The Next Pivot
    with Charles Sims,” he invites listeners into the offices, hallways, and
    boardrooms of the tech world. The show provides deep industry knowledge through
    compelling narratives that educate and inspire. Additionally, he co-hosts
    “Capital Grit,” which helps listeners understand the current investment landscape
    and reveals the intricacies of fundraising, investing, and venture capital.

     

    For eight years, I served as the CTO for the LA Clippers

    under Steve Ballmer, where I played a pivotal role in transforming the team's
    technology infrastructure and driving innovation in sports tech. After that, I
    spent three years as the CTO for United Talent Agency, the third-largest media
    and entertainment agency in the world, where I led major technological
    advancements and strategic initiatives. My expertise lies at the intersection
    of technology and business. I have a unique ability to demystify complex
    technical concepts and highlight their real-world value, regardless of the
    audience's background. Whether it's developing strategic technology roadmaps,
    leading innovative projects, or mentoring teams, my focus is always on driving
    success through empathy and innovation.

     

    Known as the 'Hurricane CTO,' Charles Sims is a seasoned

    tech evangelist, investor, and keynote speaker with over 15 years of experience
    at the intersection of technology, sports, and entertainment. He has been
    involved in more than $1.5 billion in mergers and acquisitions, leading
    transformative initiatives that combine innovation with human-centric design.

     

    For more information: https://www.hurricanecto.com/ 

    LinkedIn: @CharlesSims

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    44 min
  • Celebrating 1,000 Episodes of Let's Have This Conversation

    Milestones of great significance deserve acknowledgment and celebration, and

    today marks a joyful success in this regard. Over five years ago, I embarked on
    a journey to share knowledge and information through a podcast that I initiated
    during the COVID-19 pandemic. This endeavor allowed me to express my
    journalistic talents and my desire to find common ground and build bridges of
    unity. Now, five years later, I am proud to announce that we have reached over
    1,000 episodes of the "Let's Have This Conversation" podcast.

     

    Through this podcast, I hope to have provided meaningful and

    thought-provoking conversations that encourage listeners to consider how they
    can contribute to the ongoing societal discourse on progress. I have been
    fortunate to interview and engage with a diverse array of individuals from
    various professions and backgrounds. I am incredibly grateful for the wisdom,
    information, and personal stories of triumph that many have shared with me over
    the years.

     

    Together, we have worked to create an inclusive and

    accepting path forward, for which I am forever thankful. It is my hope that I
    have contributed to a legacy of inclusivity through these diverse
    conversations. A group of industry professionals whom I have had the privilege
    of interviewing over the past five years has compiled messages of encouragement
    and congratulations for this tremendous achievement of reaching 1,000 episodes,
    which I am excited to share with all of you.

     

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    19 min
  • Athletics is Possibly the Greatest Training Ground for Developing Responsibility with Greg Walls

    According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health

    Promotion, seventy-three percent of parents believe that sports benefit their
    child's mental health, and research supports this belief. Additionally,
    eighty-eight percent of parents recognize the physical health benefits of
    sports participation. Engaging in sports is an invaluable way for youth to
    obtain the physical activity necessary to remain fit and healthy.

     

    **Economic and Community Impact** 

    The advantages of youth sports extend beyond the playing

    field and impact the wider community. Involvement in sports and physical
    activities can lead to significant benefits, including:

     

    - A reduction in direct, indirect, and personal healthcare

    costs, estimated to be up to $28 billion per year.

    - A stronger long-term labor market.

     

    Seventy-three percent of adults who currently engage in

    sports participated in athletic activities during their youth. This early
    involvement encourages a lifelong habit of physical activity that is beneficial
    in adulthood.

     

    Moreover, over fifty percent of adults involved in sports

    believe that participation helps reduce stress and enhances mental health.
    Fifty-five percent of parents think that sports will provide academic
    advantages for their children and improve their future career prospects.
    Additionally, eighty percent of parents believe that sports teach valuable
    lessons in discipline, dedication, and teamwork.

     

    Overall, participation in sports is an effective way for

    youth to achieve physical fitness and develop crucial life skills.

     

    Greg Walls is the Owner and CEO of Performance Experience.

    His current role involves overseeing the company’s expansion into emerging
    markets. In his previous position as a Master Trainer and Performance Coach, he
    maximized competitive opportunities for thousands of athletes across various
    sports and assisted over 200 students in obtaining college scholarships. As a
    thought leader, Greg has led management training sessions for executives at
    organizations such as Aflac, AT&T, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America,
    Texas Trust Credit Union, and Crimson Building Company. Under his leadership,
    Performance Experience has received several accolades, including the 360
    Magazine Top 100 Small Business Award, the Mindbody Bold Fitness Innovation
    Award, and the Mid-Cities Personal Training Company Award.

     

    Greg holds a bachelor's degree in Education from Texas

    Christian University and possesses more than 30 certifications as a Master
    Trainer and Performance Coach. He has coached college football at both the
    Division I and Division II levels and has been a trusted advisor to college
    coaches for the past 19 years. As an All-Conference Cornerback, Greg
    understands what it takes to prepare for and perform in sports with excellence.
    He believes that athletics can serve as an exceptional training ground for developing
    responsibility, especially when coaches hold their athletes accountable for the
    details.

     

    Follow: @PerformanceExperience

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    45 min

About Lets Have This Conversation

From the publisher's feed

Multimedia Journalist and Motivational Speaker Kevin McShan brings you a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional YouTube Podcast called: “Let’s Have This Conversation. The intention is to provide a large…